At LAFFOFF: Healing Through Laughter*, we embrace comedy as a therapeutic tool for trauma treatment and community building. Our mission is to foster wellness, provide vital mental health resources, and create spaces where humor and healing unite. We believe in the transformative power of laughter to break through isolation, offering a platform where communities can come together, support one another, and access information that promotes well-being.
We achieve this through programming, events, workshops, and performances that uplift, connect, and nurture collective healing. By prioritizing mental health and wellness, we create opportunities for growth, connection, and joy within the community.
Marvellus, an African American and Assyrian Persian, was born and raised in the culturally rich city of San Francisco, California. His journey in the non-profit sector as an Outreach Community Coordinator in San Francisco has been both challenging and rewarding.
His work involves connecting deeply with diverse communities, understanding their unique needs, and fostering programs aimed at creating meaningful change. However, his life took a significant turn in 1987 when he faced violent trauma, leading to a prolonged battle with PTSD. This experience, though harrowing, paved the way for a new chapter in his life.
This personal journey inspired him to create "LaffOff: Healing Through Laughter," a groundbreaking initiative that combines comedy with trauma treatment. At LaffOff, Marvellus and his team produce comedy shows that not only entertain but also provide a platform for healing and fostering black joy.